In Search Of That Mysterious Element Called "Voice" Editors and agents often say that what they seek in a publishable manuscript is a unique voice. Voice may be the single most important element in closing a sale, and a story without it can quickly beget...
Doris Booth
Doris Booth is the founder and editor-in-chief of Authorlink®, a literary marketplace and publishing industry resource she launched in 1996. A former journalist, she has spent decades working inside the publishing business as a semi-retired literary agent, with a track record that includes major sales to Big Five publishers and two true-crime projects that went on to become Netflix adaptations. As co-agent with the late Peter Miller, she helped place the Sons of Sam project with Quirk Books/Andrews McMeel.
That combination of newsroom discipline and hands-on agenting experience is what shapes Writing Insights: each post reflects what Doris has actually seen work — and fail — across thousands of manuscripts, queries, and author conversations, rather than generic writing advice recycled from elsewhere. It's why writers return to Authorlink month after month for craft guidance grounded in real publishing outcomes, not theory.
Considering Self-Publishing? Examine Pros and Cons
Considering Self-Publishing? Examine Pros and Cons ". . .the new breed of vanity press has a few fatal flaws." Many writers frustrated with the state of traditional publishing ask whether they should self-publish with one of the big...
Wes DeMott: Turning Fact Into Fiction
Wes DeMott, author of the successful political thrillers, VAPORS and WALKING K (both from Admiral House Publishing), answers some key questions about the components of a successful novel based on truth. DeMott, a former FBI Agent and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team member, writes from his own experiences, and enjoys helping fellow writers improve their craft.
Women Co-authors Share in Success of Chicken Soup
"Fame isn't the source of true happiness. . . " Women Co-authors Share in Success of Chicken Soup Hard Work and Inspiration Meet Opportunity A Special "Insights" Feature by Doris Booth Any writer who has thought about dumping his or her dream...
Falling Down the Rabbit Hole: How to Survive Life as a Writer
"Every dedicated writer gives up--with great regularity." Falling Down the Rabbit Hole How to survive life as a writer By Doris Booth, Editor-in-Chief, Authorlink! You have that special gift for words, a rare vision that makes you a motley duck in most any...
First Authorlink / Star-Telegram Conference A Huge Success
The Internet has become what old 'hand-selling' used to be. --Laurie Chittenden, Editor, Simon & Schuster First Authorlink!/Star-Telegram Conference a Huge Success New York Editors/Agents Offer Insights More than 130 people attended the first...
Sleuth Fest ’98 Mystery Writers of America, Florida Chapter
The thing that sells fiction today is emotional conflict or crisis. People must feel their heart pitter patter and care about the character. David Hagberg, best-selling author and three time Edgar Nominee Sleuth Fest '98 Mystery Writers of America,...
The Author / Agent Relationship: A Fresh Perspective On An Old Question
"I am looking for the truly fine writer whose hope is to find a little sunny place for their work, a place where the sun never sets" The Author/Agent Relationship: A Fresh Perspective On An Old Question By Mauro Salvi, Literary Agent Il Nuovo Tempo Literary...
The 29th Annual Ozark Creative Writers Conference
"You have to become your own salesperson." David H. Smith Literary Agent A Special Report The 29th Annual Ozark Creative Writers Conference The Ozark mountains of Eureka Springs, Arkansas were the setting for the 19th Annual Conference of the Ozark Creative...
The 15th Annual Craft of Writing Conference
"Story and plot are not the same. Plot is only the aramature on which your story hangs." Patricia Anthony Writing instructor, Southern Methodist University A Special Report The 15th Annual Craft of Writing Conference The 15th Annual Craft of...
